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Find an ideal fishing spot or just enjoy eastern Florida's varied topography on a Jeep ride into the backcountry. While you won't find steep climbs in the fairly flat eastern part of the state, trails can challenge the amateur with plenty of mud and water. You'll find the majority of Jeep trails on public lands, with a couple of private facilities as well.

Osceola National Forest

Within Osceola National Forest in the northeast corner of the state you'll find mostly flat riding along wooded forest service roads. You'll encounter mud and water on the trails after a heavy rain, and roadside foliage that includes palmettos and pines. The forest flanks Interstate 10 immediately east of Lake City. South of the interstate, Wiggins Campground provides a primitive camping experience in the midst of nearby trails. North of the interstate, head to Seventeen Mile Campground for direct access to the trails. If you don't care to camp overnight, you can also enter the trail system at the Mount Carrie Road staging area.

Ocala National Forest

The Ocala National Forest includes a wide range of roads and trails suitable for Jeep travel. The paved Black Bear Scenic Byway connects you to a network of unpaved roads within the forest. Trek down old rail grades, fire access trails and other semi-maintained dirt roads to access lakes and campgrounds in the forest. The forest's Tread Lightly! Four Wheel Drive Way covers 81 miles of trails designed specifically for Jeeps, trucks and SUVs. Slow speed limits in the forest allow you to enjoy the wildlife and scenery along the way.

Matanzas State Forest

Drive along a network of dirt trails through Matanzas State Forest, 8 miles south of St. Augustine. The forest is home to a 16,000-acre salt marsh as well as cypress swamps, and stands of pine and hardwoods. The Matanzas Wildlife Management Area is a stop along the Great Florida Birding Trail and designated by the Audubon Society as an Important Birding Area. Some roads close seasonally to protect breeding spots of sensitive species. You can drive the roads year-round, but you'll need to call ahead during non-hunting seasons for the entrance gate combination and a free permit.

Typical Weather

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The temperature in Florida in September tends to be very predictable, so you can generally count on the forecast and travel light.

The temperature in Florida in September is somewhat unpredictable, so be on the safe side and prepare for a variety of conditions.

The temperature in Florida in September is highly unpredictable, so use the forecast as a guide, but be ready for anything!

Exclusively Mud

East Florida's swampy terrain makes it a natural for mud bogging. You'll find two parks in the eastern part of the state where you can hone your skills and compete with other off-road enthusiasts at events hosted by the parks. Boggin Bunnell Off-Road Park, 25 miles north of Daytona Beach, has muddy trail through swampy areas with sections suited for novices through experts. The park is open weekends, has on-site camping and hosts mud bog events. In New Smyrna, Bandit Mud Racing has a drag strip, a mud track and mud pits with weekend hours and overnight camping.